Best Universities for Psychology in Australia

Andrew Lancaster

For psychology degrees, Australian universities towards the top of global rankings are often considered the best. However, alternative graduate surveys offer insights into student experiences and financial outcomes.

By combining multiple perspectives, a more rounded view of the top psychology universities in Australia emerges.

Rankings Based on Research Standing

Global rankings often highlight universities based on research performance and name recognition, reflecting the perceived brand value of a degree. The University of Melbourne frequently tops these lists, followed by the University of Queensland, UNSW Sydney, and the University of Sydney. Monash University also ranks highly.

Other prominent institutions include Macquarie University, ANU, and the University of Western Australia. Further down are Deakin University, Griffith University, and Curtin University, maintaining strong positions. Refer to Learning Lab for a detailed list.

Uni Reviews Rankings for Psychology

According to Uni Reviews, the University of Sydney is the best for a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree, followed by the University of Southern Queensland and the University of Canberra.

Top 10 universities for psychology

University of Sydney: Satisfaction – 88.1%, Salary – $71,700
University of Southern Queensland: Satisfaction – 87.5%, Salary – $70,400
University of Canberra: Satisfaction – 86.8%, Salary – $68,600
Deakin University: Satisfaction – 88.0%, Salary – $60,900
Australian National University: Satisfaction – 80.8%, Salary – $76,000
Southern Cross University: Satisfaction – 87.5%
Edith Cowan University: Satisfaction – 86.5%, Salary – $58,800
Federation University: Satisfaction – 85.0%, Salary – $63,000
Curtin University: Satisfaction – 81.5%, Salary – $66,400
ACAP: Satisfaction – 85.2%, Salary – $58,600

These rankings are based on graduate satisfaction, salaries five years post-graduation, and faculty size. Data was sourced from the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS), Student Experience Survey (SES), and taxation returns. Each metric was scored and weighted to generate the final rankings.

University of Sydney ranks on top

The University of Sydney is the top-ranked university for a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree in Australia, according to Uni Reviews. It boasts an 88.1% graduate satisfaction rate and a median salary of $71,700 five years post-graduation, indicating strong educational quality and career outcomes.

USyd also performs well in global rankings due to its research contributions and international recognition. This makes it a top performer in multiple areas.

Psychology at USyd

The Bachelor of Psychology delves into human behaviour and mental processes. The course spans three years and requires an entry score of 85 ATAR.

Students do ten units, including behavioural neuroscience, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. There is an option for a fourth-year honours, essential to become a registered psychologist. The program is delivered in Camperdown/Darlington face-to-face.

What makes USyd stand out in psychology? The program integrates research into teaching, with students working on projects like the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics. Courses cover specialised areas such as neuropsychology and forensic psychology. The School's facilities include advanced neuroimaging labs and a dedicated psychology clinic for practical experience.

Source: University of Sydney

But Do Psychology Rankings Matter?

Psychology rankings can be a helpful guide, but most undergraduate programs offer similar content. You'll find that the curriculum covers essential topics like behavioural neuroscience, social psychology, and abnormal psychology regardless of the university. The quality of teaching will also be a mix, with some exceptional professors and some less inspiring ones.

What truly matters is choosing the right kind of program for your goals. Look for programs that offer the specific courses and opportunities that align with your career aspirations.

Having a solid career plan is essential. Know what steps you need to take after graduation to reach your goals. That could mean pursuing honours, a master's degree, or gaining work experience. Have a clear plan to help you get the most out of your education.

Online Psychology Degrees at Lerna Courses

For online psychology degrees, global rankings are less relevant since Australia’s best online universities often rank lower in research metrics.

Lerna Courses features the best online psychology degrees by examining various programs available. This includes a wide range of courses such as bachelor’s degrees, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, advanced graduate diplomas, and master’s degrees. These programs provide interactive content and opportunities for collaboration.

List of online degrees

Bachelor of Psychology: A three-year program available online from multiple universities, with an option to pursue a fourth year for honours.
Graduate Certificate in Psychology: A short course requiring four subjects over eight months part-time, enhancing knowledge and skills and counting towards a graduate diploma.
Graduate Diploma in Psychology: Equivalent to a three-year bachelor’s degree but shorter, with 10 subjects. Ideal for those with a degree in another field.
4th Year Psychology: Includes honours degrees and advanced graduate diplomas, crucial for students aiming to become psychologists.
Master of Professional Psychology: A one-year program part of the 5+1 pathway, leading to provisional registration after a year of supervised practice.
Master of Clinical Psychology: A two-year program qualifying graduates for general registration as psychologists, the only specialisation available online.
PhD in Clinical Psychology: Offered by the University of New England, transitioning from the Master of Psychology (Clinical) to a PhD after the first year.

Lerna Courses provides detailed information on each program, including entry requirements, learning outcomes, and career paths. Notable online degrees are offered by Southern Cross University, Deakin University, University of New England, ACAP, James Cook University, and UTS Online.